Dennis Cometti: Australian broadcasting legend passes away aged 76

It’s the voice that will long live in the memory of Australian sporting fans - one that was truly ‘centimetre perfect’.

The Australian sporting community is mourning Dennis Cometti, with tributes flowing for the broadcasting legend after his death at age 76.

Renowned as arguably Australian football’s pre-eminent caller, Cometti was the voice of the AFL for three decades, spearheading Seven’s coverage until his retirement at the end of 2016.

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The man who coined the phrase ‘centimetre perfect’ among many other brilliant one-liners and unforgettable quips was revered by fans, players and colleagues alike, with his distinctive tones forming the soundtrack for many iconic moments in Australian sport.

He was behind the microphone for West Coast’s maiden premiership triumph in 1992, notable for describing Peter Wilson’s “like a cork in the ocean” goal kicked over his head. He called Kieren Perkins’ win from Lane 8 at the 1996 Atlanta Games among three Olympics, and also commentated Test cricket, basketball and WAFL in his distinguished career.

Cometti was honoured with the naming of the media centre at Optus Stadium in his honour when the venue opened in 2018, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia the following year before being inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

Born in Geraldton in 1949, Cometti rose through junior football ranks to play 40 WAFL games for West Perth under Graham ‘Polly’ Farmer - and briefly spent time on Footscray’s VFL list - before becoming coach of the Falcons in 1982.

But it would be broadcast where he would make his greatest mark, with a 13-year career with the ABC followed by joining the Seven Network in 1986 to coincide with West Coast’s entry into the then-VFL the following year.

Cometti quickly became one of the most instantly recognisable and well-respected voices in Australian sport. His meticulous preparation and sharp wit paved the way for many a memorable line, and his ability to eloquently articulate key moments led to being named Television Caller of the Year by the Australian Football Media Association a whopping 11 times.

He spent five seasons at Nine from 2002-06 before returning to Seven when the network reclaimed the AFL broadcasting rights.

After finishing his TV calling career in 2016, alongside long-time on-air partner Bruce McAvaney for that year’s grand final, Cometti continued to call games locally for radio station Triple M until 2021.

Cometti’s voice will long live on in the hearts and minds of sports fans, including some of the most iconic AFL moments of the modern era.

In his final call for Seven in 2016, Cometti described Tom Boyd’s pivotal long-range goal to set the Western Bulldogs on a path to victory: “How will it bounce? The stadium holds its breath. It’s a goal. And the western suburbs erupt.”

He quipped that Heath Shaw “came up behind him like a librarian” when he produced a goalsquare smother on Nick Riewoldt in the 2010 grand final replay, while he described Cyril Rioli’s chase of fellow speedster Lewis Jetta in the 2012 decider as “a main event in any stadium in the world”.

Outgoing AFL Commission chair Richard Goyder was among many to pay tribute to Cometti upon news of his death breaking on Wednesday morning.

“Dennis was a voice for our game for more than 50 years, and he captured the moment perfectly every time and made it fun along the way,” he said.

“From his start at the ABC, with a significant career there too as a high-quality cricket caller for Test matches in the 1970s, footy was the beneficiary for so long with his incredible skills. He was a master of calling everything – cricket, the Olympics, swimming and anything he turned his hand too – but footy was lucky to have him the longest for his greatest work.”

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon said Cometti’s work would live on forever.

“Every fan of a certain age has their own catchphrase that jumps straight to the tongue, whether it’s ’cork in the ocean’, ‘centimetre perfect’ or Buddy sprinting down the wing at the MCG,” he said.

“We are privileged that so much of his greatest work calling our biggest games is easily available for all fans, and thank you Dennis for illuminating footy and your contribution across the country to bring that excitement into homes.”

Dockers chief executive Simon Garlick labelled Cometti “a true WA legend of the game”.

“His iconic voice was the soundtrack of so many of our winters and his skill and dedication to his craft will never be forgotten,” Garlick said.

“With countless memorable one-liners and exceptional timing and accuracy in his calls, Dennis was a fan favourite during his commentary days and will be remembered with great fondness.”

West Coast chief executive Don Pyke - who played in the 1992 grand final triumph that Cometti called - also extended his condolences.

“Dennis was a unique and razor‑sharp football commentator, without peer at the top of his craft,” Pyke said.

“He had an innate understanding of the game, honed over five decades as a broadcaster following his playing and coaching career at West Perth, and his calls elevated great moments to even greater heights.

“Dennis was a giant of the football media landscape, a legendary figure in WA football, and we were privileged to have him call some of our club’s greatest moments from the commentary box.”

WA Premier Roger Cook described Cometti as an “icon” of Australian sport.

“He has called footy for as long as I can remember, and I even remember watching him on a black-and-white telly,” Cook said.

“So he’s been part of all our lives. He is responsible for coining some of the most iconic phrases in football commentary, and he’ll be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers and condolences go out to him and all his family.”

West Perth president Jimmy Caffieri said Cometti’s memory “will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.”

“He was more than just a footballer—he was a mentor, a leader, and a dear friend to many. His professionalism and dedication to West Perth will be sorely missed, and he will always be remembered as a cherished member of the West Perth family.”

The Perth Wildcats described Cometti - a long-time No.1 ticket holder - as “a legendary voice of Australian sport and a cherished part of our club and community.”

“Dennis proudly served as the Wildcats’ long-time No.1 ticket holder and remained a passionate supporter of the team and the Red Army for many years.” the club said in a statement.“His connection to the club and the broader contribution he made to Australian sport will always be remembered and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Cometti is survived by his wife Velia and children Mark and Ricki.

Seven last month announced Cometti’s extraordinary career will be celebrated in a documentary called Centimetre Perfect, scheduled to air later this year.